While the majority of Zelda fans are forced to wait for a home console sequel from their favourite franchise, it seems Nintendo is set on making the DS its more frequent home. Following on from 2007’s Phantom Hourglass comes Spirit Tracks, an adventure set in the same world but following a distinctly new storyline. Rather than waterways the environment is connected through train tracks and, not so surprisingly, it’s this extensive railway line where the main crutch of the narrative lies. Aside from this shift, though, it could be argued that the two are far more linked that is first apparent.

Since Zelda debuted on the DS, Nintendo’s decision to keep the style as Wind Waker-esq as possible has given it a distinct theme. Along with this, however, is a format that is exclusive to the brand. It would take a fool not to realise that since Link appeared on the scene his collection of games have been shaped around a familiar template. Find a collection of gems, be tricked into thinking the title’s end is just around the corner until a larger quest is revealed. Although such designs are still apparent (and for the record continue to please) the recent addition of a central hub makes a return. Much like the ideas brought to the table thanks to the powers of the Phantom Hourglass, the latest DS Zelda introduces the Spirit Temple. Asking you revisit it multiple times in order to retrieve glyphs – that in turn see the fabled spirit tracks replaced – it bears many a resemblance to the mentioned last entry. The differences come in the form of Princess Zelda. Vanquished within an hour of the game’s start, her majesty becomes Link’s confident and an invaluable asset when traversing the tower.

Granted the ability to possess phantoms, that continue to roam the corridors, the task is to get through each segment overcoming puzzles using the two entities. Although it’s a welcome relief to see the eradication of the claustrophobic time limit, the same problems rear their head. Having to constantly go back to the same focal point soon becomes a little repetitive, as do the assignments that await. While some show the genius that Nintendo is known for, particularly one shadowed in darkness, it doesn’t take long before some sense of tedium sets in; the necessity to constantly return is slightly drab. The challenge never really alters enough either to remain interesting. Being given the tools to control a phantom does increase what’s capable and opens up certain sections that wouldn’t have been able to exist otherwise, but none are strong enough to justify an only slight variation. With that said, Spirit Tracks still does a lot very right.

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